I find myself rejoicing when something good happens or when I feel like I have done something good. But what should I rejoice most over?
I was given insight into this when I read what Jesus told his disciples in Luke 10:17,20, "When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Him, "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!" Jesus replied, "But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you: rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
Wow! If I rejoice over my name being registered in heaven, I will rejoice every hour of every day, not just when I feel like it when something goes right for the day or I have sense of accomplishment. My salvation is my joy.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Who Can Stop The Lord?
Who Can Stop The Lord?
King of Kings! Lord of Lords!
He comes with crown
and sword.
Who can stop Him?
For He comes, we know
not when.
From death to life,
He arose! He lives!
He forgives!
King of Kings, robed
in glory.
He comes to take His
children home;
His foes to purgatory.
The time - the hour -
we're not told;
The Alpha, the Omega;
His grace manifold.
King of Kings, Lord
of all!
Who can stop His
glorious call?
Every eye shall see;
each in his own crowd
As He cometh in the
cloud.
Who can stop His return?
All will watch as the
clouds unfold and churn.
The Alpha and Omega;
the Beginning and the End;
He comes to save and
end our sin.
In a blink;
No time to think!
Alleluia! No one can stop the Lamb of God,
Coming with mercy in
His rod.
He died; He lives! He comes again
To gather His
children;
the poor, the rich, the
downtrodden, the plain.
He comes to honor His
Word.
No one can stop my Lord.
He comes to carry His
children to Heavenly Sod;
This majestic Son of
God!
Mary Crisp Jameson
Monday, October 22, 2018
The Thief
The Thief
He comes to be embraced! He is a thief! That's right, the new neighbor puppy, Patfoot, just loves to sneak up to me, knowing she is going to get a hug, knowing she is going to trail me on my daily walk, and knowing she will get another hug when the walk is over. However, she is a thief! Since her arrival, I have found several things missing; yet things of no value. I have no idea where she hides them for she is smart and cunning, grabbing them when no one is looking. I was told if I did not see her, she should be innocent until proven guilty. But by my estimation, the proof is: 1. She roams my yard 2. Things didn't disappear until Patfoot arrived 3. I see her in my yard 4. Her footprints remain, both in my yard and in my heart.
He comes to be embraced! He is a thief! That's right, the devil loves to sneak up on me. He wants to be embraced and to entice me, knowing he can trail me on my daily walk, and knowing that if I slip up he can steal what I value most. He is cunning! He can steal my relationship with God. He can steal my joy, my peace, and my Christian witness. He can delay and hinder the blessings God has planned for me. He is guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. How do I know? He said so himself in Job when asked by God where he had been. He said, "Roaming throughout the earth going back and forth." And yes, in that roaming, he often comes to my house, although I try to ignore him and not him invite him in. I do not wish to embrace him. He steals! I was warned of this in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." Yes, the devil wants to destroy me. If I let him in, he will leave the scars of his footprints.
He comes to be embraced! He comes to reward and save! This is no thief. This Almighty One, I desire to invite into my life and my home. I desire to embrace Him daily. Jesus has my heart! He shed His very blood for me. He comes to bless me and to save all that I value most! John 10:10b, "...I am come that they may have life, and that they might it abundantly." For all He gives, He asks nothing in return except to "Believe in Him!"
He comes to be embraced! He is a thief! That's right, the new neighbor puppy, Patfoot, just loves to sneak up to me, knowing she is going to get a hug, knowing she is going to trail me on my daily walk, and knowing she will get another hug when the walk is over. However, she is a thief! Since her arrival, I have found several things missing; yet things of no value. I have no idea where she hides them for she is smart and cunning, grabbing them when no one is looking. I was told if I did not see her, she should be innocent until proven guilty. But by my estimation, the proof is: 1. She roams my yard 2. Things didn't disappear until Patfoot arrived 3. I see her in my yard 4. Her footprints remain, both in my yard and in my heart.
He comes to be embraced! He is a thief! That's right, the devil loves to sneak up on me. He wants to be embraced and to entice me, knowing he can trail me on my daily walk, and knowing that if I slip up he can steal what I value most. He is cunning! He can steal my relationship with God. He can steal my joy, my peace, and my Christian witness. He can delay and hinder the blessings God has planned for me. He is guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. How do I know? He said so himself in Job when asked by God where he had been. He said, "Roaming throughout the earth going back and forth." And yes, in that roaming, he often comes to my house, although I try to ignore him and not him invite him in. I do not wish to embrace him. He steals! I was warned of this in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." Yes, the devil wants to destroy me. If I let him in, he will leave the scars of his footprints.
He comes to be embraced! He comes to reward and save! This is no thief. This Almighty One, I desire to invite into my life and my home. I desire to embrace Him daily. Jesus has my heart! He shed His very blood for me. He comes to bless me and to save all that I value most! John 10:10b, "...I am come that they may have life, and that they might it abundantly." For all He gives, He asks nothing in return except to "Believe in Him!"
Saturday, October 20, 2018
The Full Rainbow
The Full Rainbow
I am all about descriptive terms. The adjectives we use give us a fuller picture of people, events, and happenings. And I love the descriptive terms for my Christ given in Isaiah 9:6b, "And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." To have such a wonderful Father in Heaven who reveals His presence daily is the best gift that can and was given to mankind.
The author of the Ephesians series on Joy of Living I am currently reading went on to tell in descriptive terms how God is manifest daily in my life. He is in "all the hues of life - in our golden moments of glory, our green pastures of contentment, our red hours of anger and passion, our blue days of depression, our black days of grief. His many colors of wisdom are all aspects of His character. We cannot always see the full rainbow of His wisdom and love toward is, but it is always there."
My "pot of gold" is truly the grace of God!
I am all about descriptive terms. The adjectives we use give us a fuller picture of people, events, and happenings. And I love the descriptive terms for my Christ given in Isaiah 9:6b, "And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." To have such a wonderful Father in Heaven who reveals His presence daily is the best gift that can and was given to mankind.
The author of the Ephesians series on Joy of Living I am currently reading went on to tell in descriptive terms how God is manifest daily in my life. He is in "all the hues of life - in our golden moments of glory, our green pastures of contentment, our red hours of anger and passion, our blue days of depression, our black days of grief. His many colors of wisdom are all aspects of His character. We cannot always see the full rainbow of His wisdom and love toward is, but it is always there."
My "pot of gold" is truly the grace of God!
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
The Potter and The Masterpiece
The Potter and the Masterpiece
One of the verses highlighted in my Bible study today was Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
A question that followed was, "Do you have trouble thinking of yourself in this manner?" I personally think we all have trouble thinking of ourselves as a "masterpiece." To take this a step further, how often do we look at other fellow Christians and see them as God's "masterpiece"? If we would take a moment to do this, I believe we would all be more understanding, more considerate, more loving, and more indulgent of others. As the scripture stated, we have all been made 'masterpieces' for the specific good deeds God has planned for us long ago even before we were born. By looking at others in light of good deeds and God's masterpieces, we should be more willing to give others a "pat on back" for their own good works. It just does a person good to be encouraged and complimented.
I wrote the following a few years ago and am posting it again because our Creator started with just a lump of clay when He formed Adam, and His amazing Works of Art have continued throughout the generations with each one of us.
A Lump Of Clay
A sparkle lit His eye and twinkled bright.
I heard Him say, “Oh, yes! I have a special design for you.
You’ll no longer be a hardened rock. I have much more for you to do.”
“How?” I thought. “I have no life or spirit.
I’m just some ugly dirt with no heart or merit.”
The Potter began to mash and unfold.
Then He quickly started to roll and mold.
I felt a warmth inside me spread and glow.
My hardened core felt soft as dough.
How wonderful! The gentle strokes of this master Potter.
Here and there, He added tenderness with drops of living water,
smoothing it carefully into my very core.
I knew I would never be like I was before.
I felt soft, yet strong.
I wanted to feel like this my whole life long.
When all was finished, the Potter blew in a breath of air.
I had become a sculpture, not beautiful, but fair,
with blemishes here and there.
I was in awe, but I didn't want to have a flaw.
“Masterful Potter,” I finally spoke,
"Why did you not make me beautiful like some other folk?”
“Your work will not be by appearance but by perseverance,” He replied.
“But, why? I cried. "Can't you remove these bumps and lumps?"
Your heart is pure. Your course is sure.
Those bumps are there to make you strong; they belong.”
The Potter continued smiling and began to say,
“You were once just a lump of clay.
In due time, your design will do the work that's mine.
You’re unique, a work of art, a masterpiece from my heart.
You were just a lump of clay till I, the Potter, came your way.”
Mary Crisp Jameson - 2015
One of the verses highlighted in my Bible study today was Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
A question that followed was, "Do you have trouble thinking of yourself in this manner?" I personally think we all have trouble thinking of ourselves as a "masterpiece." To take this a step further, how often do we look at other fellow Christians and see them as God's "masterpiece"? If we would take a moment to do this, I believe we would all be more understanding, more considerate, more loving, and more indulgent of others. As the scripture stated, we have all been made 'masterpieces' for the specific good deeds God has planned for us long ago even before we were born. By looking at others in light of good deeds and God's masterpieces, we should be more willing to give others a "pat on back" for their own good works. It just does a person good to be encouraged and complimented.
I wrote the following a few years ago and am posting it again because our Creator started with just a lump of clay when He formed Adam, and His amazing Works of Art have continued throughout the generations with each one of us.
A Lump Of Clay
I was just a lump of clay until the Potter came my way.
I watched as He picked me up and gently lifted me toward the light.A sparkle lit His eye and twinkled bright.
I heard Him say, “Oh, yes! I have a special design for you.
You’ll no longer be a hardened rock. I have much more for you to do.”
“How?” I thought. “I have no life or spirit.
I’m just some ugly dirt with no heart or merit.”
The Potter began to mash and unfold.
Then He quickly started to roll and mold.
I felt a warmth inside me spread and glow.
My hardened core felt soft as dough.
How wonderful! The gentle strokes of this master Potter.
Here and there, He added tenderness with drops of living water,
smoothing it carefully into my very core.
I knew I would never be like I was before.
I felt soft, yet strong.
I wanted to feel like this my whole life long.
When all was finished, the Potter blew in a breath of air.
I had become a sculpture, not beautiful, but fair,
with blemishes here and there.
I was in awe, but I didn't want to have a flaw.
“Masterful Potter,” I finally spoke,
"Why did you not make me beautiful like some other folk?”
“Your work will not be by appearance but by perseverance,” He replied.
“But, why? I cried. "Can't you remove these bumps and lumps?"
Ever so kindly, He shushed me, “It won't matter what other people see.
You’re beautiful by design. Please don’t pine.Your heart is pure. Your course is sure.
Those bumps are there to make you strong; they belong.”
The Potter continued smiling and began to say,
“You were once just a lump of clay.
In due time, your design will do the work that's mine.
You’re unique, a work of art, a masterpiece from my heart.
You were just a lump of clay till I, the Potter, came your way.”
Mary Crisp Jameson - 2015
Sunday, October 14, 2018
I've Got Jesus!
I've Got JESUS!
When singing, "I've got Jesus! How could I want more?" this morning, I thought about some of the actions in my youth and even now - those terrible actions which did not represent the character of God. My guilt and shame would be a burden to bear if I did not Jesus. Knowing that I am "wonderfully" created by God, even created in His own image, I am ashamed of my past deeds. However, because I have Jesus, those sinful and embarrassing actions have been laid at the very feet of Jesus.
My question to myself is what will prevent me from further sinful acts because of my weak human desires? It will only be by the grace of God and a daily walk with Him.
Let me shout it to the world, "I've got Jesus! How could I want more?"
Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
When singing, "I've got Jesus! How could I want more?" this morning, I thought about some of the actions in my youth and even now - those terrible actions which did not represent the character of God. My guilt and shame would be a burden to bear if I did not Jesus. Knowing that I am "wonderfully" created by God, even created in His own image, I am ashamed of my past deeds. However, because I have Jesus, those sinful and embarrassing actions have been laid at the very feet of Jesus.
My question to myself is what will prevent me from further sinful acts because of my weak human desires? It will only be by the grace of God and a daily walk with Him.
Let me shout it to the world, "I've got Jesus! How could I want more?"
Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Politically Correct
I don't get into
political debates, and I am appalled at the way demonstrations are being conducted. Screaming
and hatefulness should have no place in our workplace, in our home, in our government,
or in this great United States of America. Where is respectfulness? Where is decency? Where is consideration for the law? We are blessed! Too blessed to allow ourselves to bring ourselves down in such a manner.
Ephesians 2:10 "We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we
can do the good things He planned for us long ago." We are God's creation; His masterpiece; His work
of art! This says to me that we should
be projecting God's character in all that we do. The writer of my Joy of Living Series says it
better than I when talking about God's handiwork. "Our lives should show forth with the very things God created us
to demonstrate; good work of kindness, love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and
service."
I believe God
created us "in His image"
to display His greatness and His love.
If we could strive to do this, what unity our nation would show to the
world! There might finally be
peacefulness, forgiveness, compassion, and understanding disagreements instead
of what we are seeing in our lives and in our government today. Where is the mercy and love like that which
God is willing to give to us?
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